Dennis Smith Jr (7 pts/11 ast/6 stl) and the depleted Trailblazers upend the Lakers

[soog]

I like to check in on DSJ every once in a while because I’m still rooting for him to find his place in this league.  He just had a GREAT game helping his team beat Lebron and AD after Portland traded away all of their starters over the last week.

I love seeing him do well and I love seeing LeBroken Le Lakers implode.

Here’s to you DSJ!

[cow]

Former Mavs  killing it tonight.  Barnes had 30 points on 8/11 shooting.

[SleepingHero]

Nothing makes me happier than the Wood Slanger putting up numbers and taking down the Lakers.

I know he left on sort of rocky terms (though I do wonder how much of that was a rebellion against RC and not the franchise), but I still have a soft spot for DSJ.

Also 6 steals?! Dude was a fiend all night.

[Nowitzki Way]

I'll always root for Dennis Smith Jr.  He looked so promising his rookie year, and just never progressed after that. I think he would have ended up being an ideal partner next to Luka had his career continued to arc up. And had he not been traded to the crappy Knicks.

Unfortunately he is what he is now. An end of the bench guy who'll hang around the league a little while. He's still only 24 and i wouldn't be upset if he took the Burke role in a season or two.

[hakeemfaan]

DSJ has a small wingspan and an inconsistent jumper.   It was brought up predraft also when comparing him with Frank N and Mitchell. I wish DSJ well but if taking a chance I would continue with Frank N and see if he can get a bit more consistent with his 3 pt shot.

[Chicagojk]

With CJ gone and Dame probably out for most of the rest of the year, it will be an important time for Dennis.  He should see consistent minutes off the bench.   Really important to show he deserves those minutes.

[SatnamSingh]

Glad to see him playing some D.  He still has terrible basketball IQ, like a poverty Westbrook.

[HoosierDaddyKid]

The only thing holding DSJ back is the lack of a consistent shot.  He's never shot the ball well.

[dirkfansince1998]

The only thing holding DSJ back is the lack of a consistent shot.  He's never shot the ball well.

He lacks passing vision and is a bad finisher. And that´s not even the worst part. His decision making is terrible. Just look at the clip. No excuse for whatever he was trying to do with less than 30s on the clock and a five point lead.

[MrGoat]

7 assists and 5 steals in the 4th quarter. I would not be surprised if that is a unique performance for a player coming off the bench. I'm waiting to see how they're going to blame this Lakers loss on Westbrook considering he didn't play